Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch

AWIPS Blended TPW Products

Introduction

• This session covers the Blended TPW (total precipitable water), and Percent of Normal TPW products available in AWIPS. Although the training was developed in 2009, the principles discussed still apply. Data sources used for these blended TPW products will be identified. Also, the presentation of these products in AWIPS will be illustrated, as well as the current AWIPS display limitations. Finally, basic operational uses of blended TPW products will be identified.
• Learning objectives:
• • Tropical cloud identifcation.
  • Identify data sources used for Blended TPW products
  • Understand presentation of products in AWIPS
  • Become aware of current AWIPS display limitations
  • Recognize basic operational uses of Blended TPW products

Training Session Options

1. Web-based Video training session
   Note: Be sure to have your speakers on and the volume loud enough to hear the presentation.

ASCAT Winds

Introduction

• This session covers the characteristics of the Advanced Scatterometer, or ASCAT, instrument aboard EUMETSAT’S MetOp-A satellite. ASCAT data became available in AWIPS with the version released in February 2009 (OB9). The coverage and biases of the ocean vector winds retrieved by ASCAT will be assessed. Also, comparisons between ASCAT data and QuikSCAT data will be made. Finally, a warning decision will be presented to illustrate effective utilization of ASCAT data for marine operations.
• Training Topics:
• • Understand how ASCAT works.
  • Assess strengths and weaknesses of ASCAT wind retrievals.
  • Identify contrasts between between ASCAT and QuikSCAT data.
  • Understand how to best use ASCAT data operationally.

Training Session Options

1. Web-based Video training session
   Note: Be sure to have your speakers on and the volume loud enough to hear the presentation.

An Overview of Tropical Cyclone Intensity Guidance Models used by NHC

Introduction

• The learning objectives for this training are:
• Describe the spectrum of NHC tropical cyclone intensity models.
• Describe the general strengths and weaknesses of each intensity model.
• Understand how intensity models are used in consensus forecasts.
• Have an overview of future intensity forecast model improvements.
• Limitations of tropical cyclone structure forecasting.

Training Session Options

1. Web-based Video training session
   Note: Be sure to have your speakers on and the volume loud enough to hear the presentation.

Topographically Induced Convergence Zones and Severe Weather

Introduction

This training session focuses on severe weather considerations where topography plays the key role in the production of convergence/vorticity zones. Four short case examples highlight different types of convergence zones including the Puget Sound Convergence Zone, the Denver Vorticity Convergence Zone, the Mogollan Rim Convergence Zone, and the Snake River Plain Convergence Zone.

Training Session Options

LMS students – to begin the training, use the web-based video or audio playback options below.
Note: Be sure to have your speakers on and the volume loud enough to hear the presentation.

1. Web-based Video training session
2. Audio playback – This VISITview file contains recorded audio and annotations and can be taken at anytime.

   Create a directory to download the audio playback file (it is about 48 MB in size) from the following site: ftp://rammftp.cira.colostate.edu/SHyMet/course_material/SHyMet_Topographically_Induced_Convergence_Zones.exe

   After extracting the files into that directory click on either the visitplay.bat or visitauto.bat file to start the lesson. If both files are present, use visitauto.bat

Talking Points

Download as a Word document

Coastal Severe Convective Weather

Introduction

This training session focuses on severe weather considerations along coastlines…including island effects. Factors to consider along coastalines and near islands are addressed and supported by several case studies.

Training Session Options

LMS students – to begin the training, use the web-based video or audio playback options below.
Note: Be sure to have your speakers on and the volume loud enough to hear the presentation.

1. Web-based Video training session
2. Audio playback – This VISITview file contains recorded audio and annotations and can be taken at anytime.

   Create a directory to download the audio playback file (it is about 70 MB in size) from the following site: ftp://rammftp.cira.colostate.edu/SHyMet/course_materials/SHyMet_Coastal_Severe_Weather.exe

   After extracting the files into that directory click on either the visitplay.bat or visitauto.bat file to start the lesson. If both files are present, use visitauto.bat

Talking points

Download as a Word document